The way we work has changed in recent years. Not only due to the technological advancements that make it possible, but also the cultural change that had to be adopted due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many companies had to find solutions to stay afloat during a very turbulent and challenging time, meaning that working from home became the only option for a large percentage of the global workforce. From this unavoidable change in how and where people were carrying out their work, it has become progressively clear that the need to commute to a static office each day does not play the same functional role that it once did, and flexible working has become increasingly popular
Overcoming misconceptions
In the past, it wouldn’t be uncommon in many workplaces to hear the misconception that if people weren’t in the office, they were slacking off. Obviously, ideas like these are now completely outdated, and as a result, businesses are facing mounting pressure to accommodate employee’s flexible working requests – and rightly so. However, not everyone works in the same way. Some people function better later in the day and some are early birds. For some, working from home isn’t enjoyable and can be too isolating, but going to ‘the office’ is frustrating and inconvenient. Many people find that coffee shops are the perfect place to get tasks completed, for others, the environment is far too busy and full of distractions. There’s also those who feel that working in the static office can’t be beaten!
Flexible working is so much more than it used to be. It’s a core belief that work is an activity you do, not a place you go.
Today’s options
Many workplaces have now adopted various flexible working options to suit their employees. These range from choosing working hours, office hot desking, hybrid working and working remotely. Happy employees obviously equal a more productive work force.
For those individuals who work remotely but find being at home counterproductive, more and more coworking and open-source spaces are popping up around the country; Desks By The Day included! The beauty of spaces like these is that they provide a place for people to feel they’re going to a place of work, but on their own terms. Away from distractions and other annoyances which can be a hindrance to concentration.
Benefits of working remotely in a rented workspace
1. Better mental health
For some, being in the physical office or workplace can trigger a lot of stress. There may be tension with other employees or peers, and some management styles can feel undermining. Being away from the workplace allows individuals to motivate themselves in a way that suits them. Furthermore, renting a hot desk for the day can also relieve the stresses of working from home where distractions can be plentiful, looming chores can be distracting and isolation can be detrimental.
2. Tidier space
Renting a desk or office for the day veers away from any clutter that can be found on desks in the permanent workplace or scattered around in people’s homes. This allows for a nice clean space to be productive and facilitate higher concentrate on work tasks.
3. Better work-life balance
It can be hard to switch off when working from home, making it very challenging not to overwork. By renting a desk or being part of a coworking space, there is more of an opportunity to create a healthy routine by having dedicated work breaks and the need to physically pack laptops etc. away and leave the premises at the end of the working day. This means that home becomes a place to unwind (how it should be) and creates a healthy divide from the activities of work.
4. Creates networking opportunities
Coworking spaces create opportunities for individuals to meet new people and grow their own professional network. The beauty of these types of spaces is like-minded people will be working from there too, making it possible for more paths to cross.
5. Gain support and knowledge
Another benefit that isn’t accessible when working from home is having people around who can offer support and knowledge. Yes, communication technologies such as Zoom or Teams are available to speak to colleagues, but coworking spaces bring people from a range of different industries together; offering advice that wouldn’t usually be there for the taking.
Of course, renting a workspace isn’t the right fit for everyone, but for those who feel it would be beneficial, we are here.
Whether you require a desk on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis, please do get in touch to see what we can offer you. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have and hope to see you soon.